All quiet at Agusta
 

A while back all sorts of interesting rumours were winging about on such things as new tail rotor blades, a replacement for the 109 and upgrades to the 109.
What's happening to the good rumours?
Anyone know what's on going on in the skunk works at Malpensa?

My experience with Agusta is that they don't announce anything until it's ready.
I was in Malpensa several years ago to fly the A129 for Rotor and Wing. I had been working on a FADEC equipped A109 for what was going to be the upgraded A109. The engine I had been working on wasn't chosen, but there on the ramp was what turned out later to be the A109 Power. I was quite anxious to write something about it, and asked Agusta for permission.
"Not now" was the answer - we're not ready.
It was about 6 months later that the Power was announced.
So, there are things being worked on. I've seen 'em, and they looked impressive, but that's all I'll say.
They are ironing out the bugs.

Shawn,

If they are working on tail rotor problems...."bugs" doesn't quite do the problem justice. Seems like quite a few crashes of 109's lately....granted some of them are directly attributable to pilot error.

Possible announcements at Farnborough Air Show

MD might have something also.

SASless

It would appear that you are trying to imply something in your post but I think you will find this implication to be wholly incorrect.

As we all know the normal tail rotor configuration is actually safer in flight due to superior authority.

The question posed on the thread was in relation to Agusta developments and I am sure they are working hard on both the 139 and other aircraft improvements.

New A109
 

For those not at Farnborough yesterday Agusta unveiled a new version of the 109 called the 'Grand'. Stats sound very impressive: MGW 3175 Kgs, 1100Kgs payload, increased cabin dimensions, PW207C engines and composite tail rotor blades.

Although there was only an EMS mock-up there yesterday it was said that they are well into FAA and EASA certification and we will see this aircraft in the air before the end of next year.

Anyone else see the mock-up? Any comments?

This should send ripples through the Eurocopter factory.

It also has a larger cabin, bigger cockpit doors, smaller diameter rotor by using the A119 system(modified) and other bits.

The tail rotor is wider chord and shorter blades and rumoured to be quieter.

Also said to be quicker.

4 million Euros

How much is a new bell 430?
come to think of it how much is a new 109power?

No idea what a 430 costs these days and dont know if Agusta even plan to continue with the standard Power as I had heard that all new 'Powers' with be built to Elite airframe spec.

Head Turner is right, this new model should really shake up the market place as its competitors (perhaps now the wrong word!!) will not be anywhere near on performance capabilities.

Speaking of which our usually vocal 135 appreciation society seem to have lost their voice!!!!!!

Sounds wonderful. Unfortunately, it will still be painted and assembled by Italians.....

JJB Sports have their 430 up for sale 4 years old a snip at $4,750,000

Didn't JJB just buy a new 430 ?

I/C

Paint... there's nothing to stop you ordering one "green" you know - the latest one in the UK for EuroSkyLink was, and then got its paint done here.

JJB - yes, they should get a sparkly new 430 v.soon - see Bell press releases

Eurobolkow - give us a chance to comment, at least :hmm:

Interesting development, assuming it to be accurate. If so, then more 'power' to their elbow, because competition is what is needed and this could be the start of something stimulating as many police operators are looking (shortly) at replacing their 'new generation' helos.
Shame it's still the same old airframe though:oh:

TC : Thanks for your comments and I agree that any new developments should be welcomed and can only be good for the market place. It will be interesting to see the response of the other manufacturer's and also to see if the 'S' enjoys more success than the 'E' in the Police Market?

I must pick you up on one point however as to suggest that the 'S' airframe is the same as the 'A' model is simply not correct. Sure they have the same basic shape and profile (perhaps because it was such an aerdynamically efficient design in the first place) but the airframe of the latest generation will bear little resemblance to the original.

This philosophy of continual improvement seems to be the opposite of the cover up an old airframe with a new shape mentality employed by some other companies!!

After searching a lot, I have found some pictures of the new Grand here

I am not going to comment about Italian craftsmanship, but they really know how to make good looking machines (no mater if we are talking about cars, bikes, planes, or….helicopters!)
:ok:

The Italian built and painted CH-47's I flew were beautiful compared to the American built models....granted it took three times as long to build one....but by golly the door shut like a sleek sports car.

WOW!

That looks VERY smart. You are absolutly right SGAS, the Italians really have got the design edge.

Compare that to that other press release picture of the new Bell abortion of an helicopter. The Bell doesn't even come close.

Very impressed!!! ;)

All it needs now is a fenestron to protect the public (in this 'duty of care' era) and then you might just have something..........................................:cool:

Interesting development! And long expected. It could bring new wind into the corporate business. But i didn't believe the ship could change the EMS market. The A 109 had allways problems with the small distance between rotors and ground, important in the EMS business. The speed isn't so interesting at operation areas round about 100km with the short legs. The "Power" A 109 had a lot of problems with tailboom and fuselage, due to vibrations and overstress. And Agusta needs every day a mechanic. Thats the reasons why the REGA sold the half of their A-109 K2 fleet and changed to EC 145. The Hot'n High performance is better with Agusta, but they need it only on some stations. The 900, 135, 145 have still the better cabin. The price is really high, but in the line with all the new ships.